MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Are you the type that has to have the latest, state-of-the-art electronic gizmo? What it that included paying $60 for a new government-sponsored light bulb? Well, those bulbs are on the way.
In 2007, the federal government sponsored a competition to come up with an energy efficient bulb to replace the standard 60 watt incandescent bulb. Phillips was the only entrant and declared the winner.
Their new “L Prize” is about to hit the shelves, but it will cost you big time.
“I think that is very ridiculous,” said Memphian Jenny Vego about the sixty dollar price tag.
That was the reaction of most when told about the new $60 state-of-the-art “L Prize” bulbs developed by Phillips that go on sale on Earth Day.
“We would not be paying it at our house,” said Jenny Vego, “we’d be lighting candles and sitting in the dark.”
Rebates and discounts could get the price down to around $40, but by 2014 incandescent bulbs could be virtually gone.
“Eventually those are going to be 40-45 watts,” said Tyson Petty, manager of Light Bulb Depot in Memphis, “that’s all you’ll find incandescent bulbs in.”
So, that leaves you with the expensive stuff.
“You really have to realize how long they’re going to last you,” said Petty, “about five years average is what we’re looking at.”
A demonstration of a normal, incandescent light shows the wheel on the electric meter spun very quickly; the new LED bulb barely turned the wheel.
That LED bulb demonstrated at the Light Bulb Depot was only a six watt bulb, compared to a 60 watt incandescent bulb, but it was brighter.
So, how much did that six watt LED sell for?
“That’s in the forties to fifties,” Petty said.
“I don’t think we could handle that,” Jeff Vego told abc24.com.
“I don’t think I would spend that on a light bulb,” said Jennifer Coltharpe.
If you are set in your ways, and demand incandescent bulbs, you could always try hoarding.
“People are coming to get those by the cases,” Petty told abc24.com.
Earth Day is Sunday, April 22, so rush out and grab some of those new $60 bulbs - or not.
Tyson Petty did say that in the long run he felt the expensive bulbs would be worth it, and offered using them for really high places where changing a light bulb is a real pain.
